Who needs libraries? WE DO !!

Libraries are much needed resources.  The worst the economy gets, the more libraries serve as a focal point of the community, providing much needed resources.  Read more.

SAN DIEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY EMBRACES SELF SERVICE

Library Automation Technologies, Inc. (LAT), a leader in library automation products, is pleased to announce it has completed the phase-one rollout plan for the San Diego Public Library, which encompassed over 36 machines in 18 branches.

The operation and patron interface were customized to meet the library system’s requirements while the physical looks were modified with custom table tops to match the library’s décor. The installed machines provide an easy, seamless and integrated environment for both patrons and staff.

Oleg Boyarsky, President and CEO of LAT commented, "San Diego Public Library is a unique customer who understands both the value and need of self-service in the library, as well as the patron’s desire for an easy-to-use system that simply works, and works simply. Using interchangeable portable and floor-standing models as needed, with identical user interfaces and Corean® tops, made units fit right in and they have been easily accepted.”

As Brian Ruark, a Technical Resource Program Manager for The City of San Diego’s Public Library commented: ”We like the simplicity and reliability of the LAT self-service machines. Patron usage continues to grow as they become used to the technology and as we refine how to best present the technology. LAT has been very innovative, making improvements based on our suggestions. They have also been responsive and quick to resolve any technical problems. “

LAT-Max™, LAT-MAXine™ and LAT-MAXwell™ is a family of self-service machines for libraries based on FlashScan™ technology. By providing multiple form-factors, such as desktop, floor-standing, kiosk and even wall-mount, all with the same patron interface and multiple finishes, the machines allow libraries to take advantage of the modern self-service technology regardless of their physical space constraints. Coupled with an array of impressive features and capabilities, such as on-demand, field-upgradable RFID capability, desensitization support, wireless networking, included multi-language support, as well as over 400+ features and settings, these machines are installed in hundreds of libraries worldwide and have gained a solid, industry leading reputation for value.

For more information about LAT's technology and all library products, jump to: www.LATcorp.com.

Hey, we at LAT don't MAKE the rules.......

.......we just help libraries adjust to them through better technology!

This from the land of mustard based barbeque and above average flour:
"Steve Moore spends his spare time skimming the stacks looking for a good read at the library. But books aren't the only thing he looks for, now its DVDs."

So, how best to serve patrons? One guess.

Don't Fence Me In

Dale Ricklefs, the director of Round Rock Public Library in a recent discussion told us that after instituting Our FlashScan MAX units (shown below in the cool back to back "kiosk" positioning) she instructed her tem to spend time out on the floor introducuing the public to our easy-to-use units. As a result, circulation through these relatively new machines has gone to 30% of all transactions. She agreed with me, and we have seen this happen, that if the staff is not coached to buy in to the advantages of having a self check, and resistant to the idea, self check will not thrive, no matter how innovative the technology.

In environments where staff understands that self check contributes to Patron privacy and efficiency, and does not replace them (a preposterous idea!) self check usage jumps, and librarians find themselves assisting patrons with more meaningful problems other than handing them a book, in a library that is neater and better run.

Some New Pix

Well, I'm goin' out west where I belong
Where the days are short and the nights are long
Where they walk and I'll walk
They twist and I'll twist
They shimmy and I'll shimmy
They fly and I'll fly
Well they're out there a'havin' fun
In that warm California sun.

Small Mammal Can Vanquish Small Insect

Here's a question:
How do you want your self check? Small mammal style?

We were looking at this article:
Local library has cockroach problem
and we jokingly said to each other, "Why don't we offer to build them a self check with a bug zapper that only turns on when a patron isn't using it?" But then we realized, hey - that's what we're about ......

When the dinosaurs were for the most part rendered extinct, it was the small mammals that thrived and developed as the preeminent next phase. They were able to move quickly, fit in places that a large slow, difficult to maneuver, animal couldn't, and most importantly - they evolved to the environment around them. LAT looks at you (libraries and librarians) as its environment and our evolution is dependent on the demands you put upon us. Just as you change for your patrons, we change for you. This is evident in the development of the allCIRC and the MAXine.

So next time you need an purple self check that shoots tranquilizer darts at only patrons with excessive fines, call us - we'll make it.

Or next time you need a self check that will microwave a toll house cookie during a transaction - call us.

Or if you just need the best self check, call us.

(856-566-4121, BTW)

How to Kill Your RFID Chip

These unfortunate realities exist, and motivations for libraries to utilize RFID must extend beyond common theft control. While this author is a generalist, and some of his info is flawed, step 4, where the actual "killing" is all too easy, is quite clear and confirmed by some of the commentors.

Link at pic:

VHS: Don't Let The Door Hit Ya In Your Clunky Giant Plastic Carcass On The Way Out....

=
Link to: Newark, OH Library sells off their VHS collection:

"The decision to move to an all-DVD collection was brought about by several factors, including decreasing circulation and video cassette deterioration."

Now how 'bout that allCIRC? Yeah !!

Human Intervention Not Helping in R-rated Borrowing

LINK: Theaters and video stores usually require an age of 17 or older to see or rent an R-Rated release, unless there is parental permission. But something altogether different is going on in some local libraries.

"We sent two 11-year-old girls to the DVD and video section in this Boston library.

Both picked out "R" rated movies and then checked them out.

Jonathan Hall, 7News
"Did a librarian say, 'Hey wait a second you don't look like you're 17?'"

Gillian, 11-year-old
"No."

Jonathan Hall, 7News
"They just said go ahead?"

Gillian, 11-year-old
"Yeah."

Jonathan Hall, 7News
"Did anybody ask, 'Do your parents know that you're renting this rated "R" movie?'"

Gillian, 11-year-old
"Nope."

And it doesn't just happen once!"



A robotic device like an allCIRC can prevent these types of issues from occurring - it obeys your ILS rules every time......

Charging for DVDs is OK - It's called NOT FOR PROFIT

St. Paul libraries considers charging for DVD rentals - TwinCities.com:

$20,000: What the St. Paul Public Libraries systems spends each year to buy DVDs

$1.6 million: The system's annual budget for all new materials

$22: Its cost per feature-film DVD

More than $22: Its cost per educational DVD

50 cents: Daily fee to rent DVDs from most Ramsey County libraries

Zero: Current cost to rent DVDs from Minneapolis or St. Paul

WANT AN allCIRC THAT CHARGES FOR DVDS? LAT CAN HELP

New allCIRC Pix @ flickr

Click on Pic, cat or chick, to get the flickr set, you bet!